Fatal crash, two house fires

All in 20-hour period for Rockdale firefighters Friday-Saturday

Firefighter Herbie Vaughan (L), State Trooper J. C. Brooks at fatal collision on US 79 Friday.A 19-year-old Austin man was killed when his small SUV collided with a charter bus Friday on US 79 between Rockdale and Milano.

The crash began a hectic 20-hour period for the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department, which also answered two house fire alarms in Rockdale, with numerous firefighters leaving the scene of initial calls to do so.

FATALITY—Ian Pogue was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:31 p.m. crash on US 79 near CR 234 by Justice of the Peace Gary Northcott.

According to State Trooper J. C. Brooks, Pogue was the driver of a westbound Honda CRV which crossed the highway’s center line and collided with an eastbound 1997 MCI bus driven by William Sjoblom, 63, of Austin.

Brooks said the bus, owned by Todd Charter Service of Manor, was empty except for the driver.

Sjoblom’s injuries were termed “minor.” The bus sustained extensive damages, according to the DPS.